As well as having great restaurants and bars, the city of Mumbai is kicking the coffee shop scene up a notch with places like Stand By Coffee and The Pastry Journal. Read on to learn more about these coffee shops in Mumbai and more—some are led by celebrity chefs and others by bright-eyed entrepreneurs.
1. The Bread Bar, Chembur
Rachi Gupta, founder of The Bread Bar, believed “Chembur needed a great coffee and sandwich option.” And boy did The Bread Bar deliver. This artisanal bakery in Chembur is a rustic space serving your typical coffee orders, from flat whites to cappuccinos, as well as cold brews, pour-overs, and Vietnamese coffee. Get your caffeine fix with a side of light croissant.
Breakfast is served all day, you can find New York-style bagels, a wide range of breads, jams, and other nibbles in this sweet coffee shop in Mumbai.
2. Cafe Duco, Bandra West
Just seeing the entrance to Cafe Duco alone should have you hooked. And it comes as no surprise that this trendy spot in Bandra West is so popular as Urvika Kanoi runs it —she was on the Condé Nast Traveller list of 40 under 40 top chefs in India (2020). The pet-friendly, Latin-American-style cafe not only offers some seriously refreshing beverages and quality coffee, but it also serves food like pulled chicken and avocado tacos, churros, and sandwiches.
3. Mutuswami Cafe, Dadar
Cafe or restaurant? We’ll let you be the judge of that but Mutuswami Cafe is in favour of creating a welcoming environment with a touch of luxury. Enjoy pomegranate juice outside with the sunlight on your face or sip a coffee inside the vibrant dining room. Breakfast is available from 7 am to 11 am, and other menu options include an ironic “fasting food” portion of French fries, grilled sandwiches, and pav bhaji.
4. Blabber All Day, Juhu & Borivali
Firstly, let’s state the obvious—you’re in for a real Instagrammable treat at Blabber All Day. Aesthetically, Blabber All Day is one of the most elegant coffee shops in Mumbai screaming, or rather whispering in a refined tone, “Have high tea here.” Admire the chandeliers and floral finishes before trying the fusion cuisine, from bao buns to vegetarian plates, and finish your meal with something from the barista menu.
5. The Pastry Journal, Oshiwara
Customers can feel free to take the name of this dessert cafe and cake shop at face value. Chef Bhumika founded The Pastry Journal on the premise that baking is a meticulous business not unlike drawing those organised diagrams in her science journal as a student. Also worth noting, Chef Bhumika was a chocolatier at Fabelle in ITC Maratha meaning you’re going to encounter some seriously indulgent signature items at The Pastry Journal.
6. Stand By Coffee, Worli
Stand By Coffee was founded by Aditya Wanwari, an entrepreneur and the founder of Toast Inc. A must-try for any coffee enthusiast, Stand By Coffee sources its beans from Chikmagalur for the specialty “cup you deserve.” Undoubtedly, you can stand by their coffee but you have to try the delicious savoury and sweet goods, from shakshouka to hazelnut babka.
7. Bokka Coffee, Bandra West
Bokka Coffee is one of those coffee shops in Mumbai that’s all about the “good vibes”. The word “Bokka” means “mad” or “crazy”, a unique name for a distinctive spot in the city. Aside from the charmingly understated interior, Bokka wins over caffeine-hungry hearts with its classic coffees and cold brews. If you didn’t spot them at the Mumbai Coffee Festival or Zomaland, head to their cafe to understand all the hype.
8. Communion Cafe, Navi
Communion Cafe is of course all about community. Chef Karishma Sakhrani told Travel + Leisure, “At Communion, we wanted to create a menu that resonates with the spirit of community and is inspired by international ingredients but tailored to local tastes.” Many flock to Communion Cafe to work on laptops while enjoying coffee and cake, events like mommy and baby evenings, and their Boba teas.
9. Prithvi Cafe, Juhu
Calling all bookworms…and theatre lovers…and coffee lovers! Prithvi is “the Cafe next to the Theatre next to the Bookshop.” A special and nostalgic place for many, the cafe in Prithvi Theatre boasts a vibrant outdoor area where you’ll likely find people relaxing over brunch in this small oasis with the famous Prithvi Irish coffee in hand. A hub for artists, the cafe also hosts events, including open mic nights.